News Release

Robin Parkinson2013-01-16
Helena, MT -- The tobacco industry contributed more than $47 million in 2011 and 2012 to help defeat ballot measures that would have raised taxes on tobacco products, according to a new report by the by the nonprofit, nonpartisan National Institute on Money in State Politics. The report, Big Tobacco Wins Tax Battles, analyzes the tobacco industry's campaign contributions during the 2012 election cycle.

In California, the tobacco industry spent $46 million to defeat Proposition 29, far more than the $18 million raised by supporters. The industry spent more than $800,000 in Missouri to fight Proposition B's tax hike, and it won, despite opponents being outspent by tax hike supporters nearly three to one.

In addition to ballot measures, tobacco industry donors contributed $3.5 million to state-level candidates and $3 million to party committees, with 76 percent going to Republican candidates and committees. Incumbents, who are statistically more likely to win the election, received the overwhelming majority of tobacco's money—$3.1 million—compared to the $428,358 received by challengers and non-incumbent candidates running for open seats. The industry's strategic investment paid off: nearly 79 percent of their contributions went to candidates who subsequently won their elections and are now in the position to decide tobacco policy in their state.

Of the nearly $54 million given by tobacco donors overall, 87 percent came from just four tobacco manufacturers: Philip Morris USA, Reynolds American Inc., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and Altria.

"This report provides a comprehensive look at the high stakes that the tobacco industry brings to state politics," said Edwin Bender, executive director of the National Institute on Money in State Politics. "The data shows that these are deep-pocketed players who are willing to spend millions to defeat ballot measures and legislation that affects their industry."

The report looks at tobacco-related legislation and ballot measures in California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Nebraska. Tobacco interests contributed a total of $50.6 million in these six states, and tobacco-related legislation become law in only two of them: Indiana passed a smoking ban in public places, and Illinois was the lone state to pass a tobacco tax increase.

The Institute coordinated a simultaneous release of its report with the American Lung Association's new publication, State of Tobacco Control 2013.

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